Musos bang the drum for appeal

THIRTEEN bands worth of Ipswich musos showcased their talents free of charge at the weekend to raise thousands of dollars for flood victims.

The Ipswich Flood Benefit was the idea of local musician and promoter Natasha Campbell and Soulful Stomp Productions partner Katie Toohey, who enlisted the help not only of musicians, but also businesses and the Victory Christian Centre in hosting the fundraiser at Cameron Park on Saturday.

“We organised the Soulful Spring Sounds festival at Warrego Wines last year, which attracted about 2000 people, so after the floods happened a lot of people wanted me to help in some way,” Ms Campbell said.

“We started organising this two weeks ago and we’ve had nothing but support.”

Local businesses donated equipment, food and merchandise, while organisers also hoped to sell off piles of fabric which had been rescued from the floods.

Of course the bands donated their talents to help raise what was hoped to total upwards of $5000. Among the performers was Wasabi guitarist Adam Hartley, whose Bundamba house was flooded right up to its roof.

After saving his horses, Mr Hartley had little time to save many of his treasured instruments and amplifiers.

He also lost most of his household appliances.

But Mr Hartley said he was happy to be back playing music and helping the city recover from the disaster.

“It’s a pleasure for me to be involved, the event has been really well organised,” he said.

“There is a real Ipswich music scene and most of those involved are really well connected and supportive of one another; there’s definitely a sense of community about it.”

Ms Campbell said she was thankful for the contributions of Ipswich City Council and all businesses and individuals who donated their time and expertise to the event.